Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Last Friday, police in Des Moines, Iowa arrested four people who attempted to make a citizens’ arrest of former top White House aide Karl Rove, who was in town to speak at a GOP fundraiser. A retired minister and three members of the Des Moines Catholic Workers community were cited for trespassing. However, according to a press release, the judge presiding over the case praised their efforts:

[Mona] Shaw was the first called before Polk County Fifth Judicial District Associate Judge William Price.After entering her plea, the judge asked Shaw,

“Mamn, what were you doing at the Wakonda Country Club?”

“I was attempting to make a citizen’s arrest of Karl Rove, your honor,” Shaw answered.

"Well,” the judge looked up and said, “it’s about time.”A few questions to ponder about the fate of our wonderful administration after January 20, 2009:

Cheney received $20 as a "retirement package" from Halliburton. So what will be his "retirement package" from the vice-presidency?

What does it cost a company to put a famous name on its list of "advisory board" members?

Will George finally have his dream of becoming a CEO of a successful oil company for a change?

Will Condaleeza Rice turn to teaching? Is it possible that she might become dean of the Department of Political Science at a well-known university filled with "Skull and Bones" members?War Crimes Anyone?

Philippe Sands's new book The Torture Team reveals the falsity of White House claims that the push to introduce torture techniques came from interrogators in the field. Sands demonstrates that the decision to use techniques like waterboarding came from the top, and tracks the elaborate scheme to make it appear that the practices began with a request from Guantánamo.

According to sources close to the global political scene (certainly closer than most of us are), the Bush Administration along with former Cabinet members, will not be charged with war crimes by the United States. That possibility lies with other countries, however. Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rove, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, Gonzales could wind up in the Hague on two counts: approving torture against the terms of the Geneva Convention or purposeful aggression. The subjects of Vice President Cheney's meetings have included topics such as how to instigate a war with Iran.

Every American who is not satisfied with "putting it all behind us" and who wants to see accountability should start asking questions NOW. The administration is surely taking advantage of the campaign and media to hide from the public any form of conflict of interest. After all, the American public has a lot to worry about: the economy, Iraq, the economy, Iran, the economy, China, the economy and now Russia/Georgia. No one will notice if Bush gets a few "advisorships" or seats on Boards of Directors, if Cheney mulls going back to Halliburton or accepts speaking engagements as a spokeman for the NRA.

This administration has lied to the American public about major actions, policies and laws. So what's to stop them from profiteering a little?

Marion Lorne had a stunning career which was eclipsed by her character of "Aunt Clara" in the TV series "Bewitched". Aunt Clara had a collection of doorknobs and would sometimes swipe one or two that struck her fancy.

Lorne made her American film debut in "Strangers on a Train."

She was invariably cast as the slightly aristocratic but befuddled character.